About
Iris Jean is an art studio collective nestled in Northern California, founded by Chelsey. The work drifts between light and nature, where raw and reclaimed materials are transformed into luminous forms that feel both timeless and alive.
Light sculptures emerge from handmade paper shaped from rice and tree pulp, from concrete, and from fragments of recycled packaging, giving forgotten matter a second life as glowing vessels. Each piece is created slowly, with intention, in small batches that resist the pull of mass production.
Every sculpture is treated as a relic of light: a one-of-a-kind treasure born of patience, imperfection, and reverence for material. Chelsey’s paper-crete creations embody this spirit, merging fragility with endurance so each piece can radiate for years to come.
About the sculptures
The inside
Contains either a C7 mood bulb for a sacred space or E17 for a little bit of a brighter and focused atmosphere such as a work station. All bulbs used are at least 2700K, meaning they will be warm and welcoming. The cords, plug and rotary switch are all wired by hand using retro dead-stock lamp materials.
The base mix
A secret recipe created after numerous attempts. It's a sustainable yet structural combination of recycled paper pulp, glue, cement, pigment, and flour. The armatures are created using recycled and found materials such as boxes, filler, paper tape, wire and more. The base is dried, cured and sealed with matte acrylic spray.
The shade
Lantern: Rattan hand-wound and glued, covered with chopped Japanese rice paper, added in layers using a wheat-paste paper mâché technique. Dried, cured and gently sealed with matte acrylic spray
Pleated: Hand folded recycled white kraft paper, securely sewn by hand. Dried, cured and gently sealed with matte acrylic spray.
In the wild
